Braintree Town are set to pick up £375,000 from a sell-on clause from Kyrell Lisbie’s move from Peterborough United to Millwall.
The Essex club cashed in on the promising youngster last summer, with Posh taking a gamble on the winger which has since proved wise, with his 14-goal, 51-appearance season at London Road earning him a £3 million move to the Championship.
Cash Boost Ends Woes
In a new report from Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, the sell-on fee from Lisbie, combined with the cash given to the club from FIFA due to Tommy Smith’s involvement at the World Cup has meant that Braintree are now able to lift their transfer embargo.
The National League placed the Iron under an embargo in May, weeks after their relegation from the fifth tier, due to a shortfall created by player wages and reduced attendances.
In an update on the club website during the off-season, manager Steve Pitt confirmed the club were still active in their recruitment process in spite of their restrictions, but as of yet have been unable to confirm any incoming transfers.
Braintree’s season starts in two weeks time against Tonbridge Angels, and have the addition of playing in the National League Cup due to several teams pulling out of the competition.
Massive Moment For Iron
News that Kyrell Lisbie’s move to Millwall has provided Braintree Town the funds to finally lift their transfer embargo is massive news for a club that has been on the decline.
Having invested in both him and his twin brother Kyreece, who has moved to Reading in this window, the Iron’s risk-taking when taking on the pair has now borne its fruit, with the potential they showed in Essex seeing them go on to greater things.
Now, with the shackles off, it leaves Steve Pitt with two weeks and the remainder of the window to try and get some much-needed reinforcements into their squad, helping them stabilise and hopefully put in a good showing in the National League South.
Considering the quality of many of the clubs in the division they may not be able to challenge for promotion immediately, but the windfall will allow them to build from a foundation with the aim of returning sooner rather than later.
